The band, which is mainly Martin Bowes with the aid of Julia Waller’s soaring vocals and Franck Matteis’s beautiful viola work, recently unleashed The Jeopardy Maze on the world.  The disc is a stunning example of everything coming together just right and is quite possibly the band’s best effort to date.

Martin Bowes took a moment to answer some queries about Attrition before their recent US tour (which should be finishing up in California in early April)…

Were you happy with the results on The Jeopardy Maze?  How do you see the album in relation to your previous releases?
Well. I'm never completely happy!!!  There would be no point in doing another album if I was.  With The Jeopardy Maze, I took a lot of risks....did things very differently....so it's interesting to see how it is received (in fact, very well so far!)  The album actually mixes all our influences into the one cohesive whole.

What does the title "The Jeopardy Maze" mean exactly?
It is taken from a novel by Australian writer Maggi Deguchi - just incidental, in a sentence she wrote.  It says something about our lives ‘we all live in the.....’  I asked Maggi to write some sleeve notes on the album....she did!

The cover artwork is interesting.  Was it done with the title in mind or not?
Yes...we had worked with the same sleeve designer for a number of albums, and I thought it was time for a change.  Time to express a different, more sexual side to our music.  When I chanced upon the work of artis John Santerineross, I realized this was it.

What inspired doing "God Save the Queen?"
A number of things.  We always had our national anthem drummed into us as children.  It ended every nights TV programme....now Tv never ends.  I was also inspired by the work of Wendy Carlos on the Clockwork Orange soundtrack, the electronic versions of Beethoven, so the two influences came together on this track.  It also symbolizes something I have yet to reveal!!!!

How did you hook up with Trinity Records and when will they release the album for Europe?
I believe the album has just been released in Europe!  Basically, after signing with Projekt, our presence in the USA went up many fold, but in Europe it was still tough.  I sent out copies of our finished album to many labels, and Trinity came up with the best offer.  It's looking good!

Have you thought about the follow-up to The Jeopardy Maze yet or written any new songs?
Ha!  The follow up is an album of remixes!!!  Of various Attrition tracks by a variety of bands and producers!  It is already half completed.

Do you find it easier or more difficult to write songs after doing so many albums?
Interesting!  In some ways it is easier, easier to write something simple.  Yet, ultimately, it is harder to produce something I feel is interesting.  Your expectations rise with everything you do.  It doesn't mean the music is better necessarily, only you expect more from it....!

It appears that you have toured consistently for each album.  Is it important for you to get out and perform in a live environment?
It IS important, yes.  We have had phases of more or less touring.  It really does help promote your work, and make contacts, and of course accrue a few experiences along the way.  Artistically, it is another way of working, so you can express your ideas in a more simple, but immediate way.

How did you meet up with Christine Reid?  Will you be working with Julia again in the future?
Christine replied to an advert I placed! Julia?....I don't know....

What is the live set-up for this coming tour, in terms of musicians and instruments?
We are just 3 on stage:  vocals, keyboards/samplers and drum n' bass backing.  It works well – there’s a lot of room for improvisation.

How did you initially hook up with Projekt?
I was initially in contact with Sam when he was a journalist!  He wrote a glowing review of our first album, so I got in touch with him!  He soon started a label, we eventually appeared on his compilations.  Projekt grew, we signed to them in 1996 - it's working very well!

Do you have a sense of Attrition's popularity?  Is it greater now than in the past?
It's difficult to know exactly!  We sell more records now than we ever did and it has certainly grown in the USA since we signed to Projekt.

Where exactly are you based now?  Is there any kind of local scene there?
Coventry, England.  There IS a local scene, but nothing I am a part of.....unfortunately I guess!

What are your views on how industrial, gothic and electronic music in general has progressed in the 90s?
It has diversified and progressed, but it must continually evolve or it will die.  I feel some elements have died already....

Who are some of your current favorite artists (music-wise)?
mmmmmm....it varies.....  I like The Prodigy!  Some drum n bass, neo classical, Die Form!  Oh, I always enjoy Beethoven!!

I seem to recall film being one of your passions - did you see anything in the past year or two that really impressed or inspired you?
Yes....Lost Highway was an excellent film!!!!  I even didn't understand it!!!!  Which is very rare for me!....

I'm going to list a few Attrition releases.  For each one, if you could say a few words about what comes to mind thinking back on them:
- The Attrition of Reason
 ...early experiments.....impressionistic youth.....but complex and intriguing

- Death House
 ....the first thing we recorded!....2 afternoons of improvisations inspired by Night of the Living Dead!!!!! analog hell....!

- The Hidden Agenda
.... much later.....the first album recorded at the cage....so experimental in it's own way....the precursor for the 90's

- Etude
our classical album....pleased with the interpretations on viola. violin, organ, percussion.... an esoteric adventure!....

Tell me about the Halogen project you are working on.  What kind of music can we expect?  Will you be touring with Halogen?
It's early days....Halogen has a more relaxed trip hop/experimental feel.  We do hope to tour!

Since it is 1999, I feel somewhat obligated to ask this one - what do you think about the whole Y2K issue and how do you think things will turn out?
Year 2000....it is a shame that baby Jesus has caused us so much anguish!  Perhaps the church will compensate us for any problems we may encounter!!!!!.....mmmmmmmm